Within the last several years, a research letter found the number of visits to nurse practitioners and physician assistants has increased more than 50 percent, Medscape reports.
Researchers analyzed National Center for Health Statistics' National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data to assess midlevel practitioner involvement.
Here are eight facts:
1. Between 2001 and 2003, NP involvement totaled 3.3 percent.
2. PA involvement totaled 2.4 percent in that timeframe.
3. NP involvement was 6.9 percent between 2010 and 2013.
4. Comparatively, PA involvement was 5.8 percent between 2010 and 2013.
5. Involvement varied based on geography with the Northeast boasting the highest participation at 9.6 percent between 2010 and 2013.
6. From 2010 to 2013, otorhinolaryngology had the greatest participation at 8.5 percent and general surgery had the lowest at 4 percent.
7. The most cited reason for NP and PA participation was pre-surgical and post-surgical visits.
8. The report found despite the gains, growth in PA and NP involvement is relatively low for specialty visits.